Agatha Christiewww.agathachristie.com once vied with mystery novelist Georges Simenon for the title of the world’s best-selling author. But since her death 1976, she has declined in popularity. Her books are often derided by critics and harder to find than those of contemporary novelists such as Mary Higgins Clark. Do they deserve this fate? Do they have any interest today except as period pieces or the inspiration for such movies as Witness for the Prosecution and Murder on the Orient Express?

A reconsideration of Christie’s work will appear soon on One-Minute Book Reviews. Please bookmark this site or subscribe to the RSS feed to avoid missing this post. Until then please feel free to leave your comments on Christie’s work.

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Now, I haven’t read Agatha Christie in at least 30 years and I am, I admit, one of those toffee-nosed sorts who brags that he’s read ULYSSES and actually understood a small portion of it. Still, I can remember my absolute shock when I got to the end of THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD. That one hit me with a (pleasant) jolt of surprise. Isn’t that what mysteries are supposed to do?

Cliff —
“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” caused a sensation (and controversy) when it came out because the ending was so startling in its day. Because of that ending, it’s somewhat atypical for Christie. But I’m going to mention it in my post because in literary terms, it’s one of her most interesting books and people who don’t like the others might enjoy “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” for that reason. Thanks for giving me a chance to say this. Jan